Birth of a birthstone. (Gem Notes).

Jewelers Circular Keystone, January, 2003 by Roskin, Gary

Tanzanite has joined turquoise and zircon as an "official" birthstone for the month of December. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) made the announcement Oct. 30.

But can anyone declare a new birthstone?

"There's no astrological authority [that assigns birthstones]," Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA's executive director, told JCK. "Most birthstones were established through tradition. Some date back to biblical times. But the current, contemporary list was developed in the '30s or '40s by a group of jewelers in the Midwest who got together to develop a modern list of birthstones and alternate birthstones. The decision to include tanzanite for December was also reached through an industry consensus."

That consensus began a few years ago at an...